Few social events are as fraught with sartorial anxieties as weddings. From the strict no-white-dresses rule (fair enough) to the semantics of black tie and the even murkier casual codes, dressing for someone else’s celebration can feel even more stressful than dressing for your own.
Weddings are rarely a one-size-fits-all kind of event, with a range of dress codes depending on the venue and formality levels. Summer weddings offer breathing room: florals, bright colours and lighter fabrics that shimmer under the sunlight feel perfectly at home. Town hall ceremonies suit classic tailoring, while country weddings embrace a more rustic romance. Casual weddings allow for a little more experimentation, with statement skirts and coordinated separates fair game. The trick is balance: show respect for the occasion, but rules and regulations are often outdated.
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Do you need to buy a new dress?
Not everyone needs – or wants – to buy a dress they’ll wear only once. Buying a dress secondhand or, better yet, renting one can be a great option for special occasions. ByRotation lets you hire a huge range of designer pieces for a fraction of the retail price, while some high-street stores, including John Lewis, now have their own in-house rental options.
I’ve got a few pro tips if you’re going down this route. Steer clear of fabrics that are too light in colour: pastels are beautiful until you spill a cocktail or drop a canape down the front. Similarly, delicate, easily snagged fabrics such as chiffon or silk can be a gamble. Cottons or sturdier blends tend to survive a long day of celebrating much more graciously. Remember to give yourself time to try it on – a stubborn zip is not the type of stress you need before a long day of festivities.
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The best wedding guest dresses
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The best dresses to wear to a summer wedding
The sun is shining (fingers crossed), and gardens are in full bloom. Your outfit should follow suit and not shy away from colour. British summertime has its limits, though, and something with a light sleeve can often be the difference between feeling prepared and spending the evening wishing you had just brought a jacket.
Ro&Zo Niamh pintuck floral maxidress none-selected
Ro&Zo pintuck floral dress
£189 at M&S £189 at Ro&ZoThis corset-style maxidress toes the line between classic floral romance and modern minimalism. Its sunlit palette feels effortless in garden settings, while the structured bodice lends a flattering shape without being suffocating. Keep accessories simple: a small clutch and delicate sandals leave this dress as the hero of your summer wedding look.
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Free People Ruffle It Up midi dress none-selected
Free People cotton ruffle midi dress
£98 at Free PeopleSummer weddings, much like summer dressing more broadly, call for a thoughtful approach to fabric. If you’re attending an outdoor ceremony, lightweight materials such as cotton are your best bet to avoid overheating. Cotton can sometimes lean casual, but this dress’s structured ruffle trim keeps things smart. Pair with gold jewellery to complement the warmth of the rich mocha shade.
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Sika Finch Dress none-selected
Sika Finch dress
£239 at SikaHandmade in Ghana from 100% cotton, this dress brings a more directional feel. The asymmetric cut shifts away from traditional occasion wear, opting for neons and stripes above wedding cliches such as florals or pastels. The lightweight nature of the fabric makes it ideal for outdoor ceremonies, too.
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Lace & Beads Plus Lydia tulle balloon sleeve plunge maxi dress none-selected
Lace & Beads Plus tulle dress
£110 at AsosSunny yellow florals across layers of tulle give this maxidress an ethereal, playful air. With flowing balloon sleeves and a deep neckline, it’s the perfect balance of sweetness and formality. The length is also practical, allowing for flat shoes – often the smarter choice on grass.
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Mango Flared cotton dress none-selected
Mango flared cotton dress
£49.99 at MangoThis dress is all about the cut. The crisp, cotton fabric holds the shape of the skirt without collapsing, and the slightly flared waist nods to a corseted style without the restriction. In a soft green hue with a low back, it’s pared back but perfectly summer-wedding appropriate. Don’t be scared to wear statement accessories: a pair of chunky silver earrings would complement the cool green perfectly – this dress can take it. The size range (UK 6-14) is disappointingly small, however.
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M&S Square neck bubble hem midaxi skater dress none-selected
M&S bubble hem dress
£48 at M&SAvailable in petite, regular and tall, this warm olive dress is begging to be worn for a summer celebration (and beyond). Spending on occasion wear can feel silly if you’ll wear it only once or twice, but this dress is easily dressed up or down, so it won’t need to sit in the back of your wardrobe for the rest of the year.
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The best dresses to wear to a town hall wedding
Against the high ceilings, marbled floors and slightly echoey rooms that often come with town halls, something a little sharper and more defined fits the bill. Tailoring and structure work in your favour.
Kemi Telford Amina belted dress none-selected
Kemi Telford belted dress
£175 at Kemi TelfordMade from a cotton poplin, this Kemi Telford dress offers a sharply tailored shape that’s balanced by its playful patterns. There’s the bonus of pockets, too. The black-and-white colour palette begs for a pop of colour in your accessories, and the structured shape means you can opt for a more casual flat without feeling underdressed.
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Reiss Kenzie satin asymmetric draped midi dress none-selected
Reiss satin asymmetric dress
£158 at Reiss £158 at NextReiss excels at polished simplicity. This dress’s expensive-looking fabric and clean drapes are great for a more formal wedding. The muted olive tone feels considered, and the asymmetric draped sleeve introduces just enough movement to soften a rigid silhouette.
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Mint Velvet Khaki sleeveless midi dress none-selected
Mint Velvet khaki sleeveless midi dress
£120 at Mint Velvet £120 at John LewisThis deep green feels like a modern take on the much-loved fit-and-flare. It features an understated drop-waist satin skirt to add shape, and is finished with a slash neck and cap sleeves. The muted green keeps the look elegant while still feeling celebration-ready.
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French Connection Sammie tailored light blue suit none-selected
- Blazer, £140 at French Connection £140
- Trousers, £89 at French Connection John Lewis £140
French Connection light blue blazer
£140 at French Connection £140 at John LewisLight blue straight leg trousers
£89 at French Connection £89 at John LewisA pop of colour can instantly soften tailoring, making a suit feel far less formal – perfect for occasions that require a bit of everything. In a powder blue, this co-ord balances its pastel hue with sharp, clean lines.
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Abercrombie & Fitch Bra-free, drop-waist maxidress none-selected
Abercrombie & Fitch drop-waist dress
£90 at Abercrombie & FitchThe LBD (little black dress) championed by Coco Chanel in the 1920s remains a wardrobe staple for good reason. Eternally fashionable, this longer version from Abercrombie sits off the shoulders but comes with a practical built-in bra with removable padding. If you don’t want to make a statement but still want something that feels as special as the occasion, this dress fits the bill.
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The best dresses to wear to a country wedding
Florals are an obvious choice for weddings with a natural backdrop, but they’re not alone. Silks, satins and soft cottons can all work well, particularly when the cut feels easy rather than overly tailored. Country weddings often come with uneven grounds, so make sure to pair with shoes you can comfortably walk in.
Rixo Lucie satin midi dress none-selected
Rixo satin dress
£245 at Rixo £315 at Net-a-PorterThis dress from Rixo has a vintage feel in a rustic rose hue. The delicate satin catches the light, but the blushed floral lace trim keeps it joyful. It’s reminiscent of a lingerie slip, but it transforms into a sleek staple paired with the right accessories. Combine with a black bag to contrast the softness of the dress.
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Reformation Jessalyn silk dress none-selected
Reformation silk dress
£278 at ReformationThis sky blue shift dress has an airy elegance. It’s beautifully pared back while retaining the formality needed for a wedding, in a silk charmeuse with a monochromatic lace trim. Pair it with minimal jewellery and let the fabric do the talking.
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Free People Bring the Bubble midi dress none-selected
Free People midi dress
£98 at Free PeopleYou may have heard of bubble skirts, but maybe not bubble sleeves. This midi is a down-to-earth green, a shade aptly named “avocado oil”. The dramatic sleeves work well with the circle skirt to accentuate your waist. Completed with a playful bow at the front, this dress feels carefree, made for dancing into the evening.
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House of CB Ysabella floral lemon print cotton midi sundress none-selected
House of CB sundress
£199 at House of CBHouse of CB knows how to do occasion wear that brings the occasion. The brand’s signature ditsy floral prints feel at home in the countryside. The structured square neckline keeps it modern, contrasted by the billowing skirt. Additionally, House of CB offers the option to customise the cup size to achieve the perfect fit.
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Nobody’s Child Allura burgundy satin midi dress none-selected
Nobody’s Child satin midi dress
£99 at Nobody’s ChildEarthy tones, such as this rich crimson, work wonders outdoors. The long balloon sleeves bring a soft and romantic feel, while the deep V neckline adds a flattering shape to an otherwise understated design. Keep accessories minimal – think a dainty necklace and small hoop earrings – and let the sheen of the fabric carry you through the night.
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The best dresses to wear to a black tie evening wedding
Black tie can sound daunting, but there are really only two main rules: your dress should sweep the floor, and it should be made of a high-quality fabric. Despite the name, black tie doesn’t mean you need to wear black, but it does mean you have to wear something that feels deliberate, whether that’s through cut or fabric.
Rat & Boa Giada dress none-selected
Rat & Boa Giada dress
£275 at Rat & BoaWhen you think of black tie, this is the type of dress that might come to mind. In a timeless halterneck, the fluid fabric falls in a long, uninterrupted line. Crafted from a plant-based silk alternative made from wood pulp, it doesn’t feel overly glossy. It’s the kind of dress that works just as well now as it will in a few years’ time. Take a leaf out of Schiaparelli’s book and pair this with gold accessories for maximum impact.
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Lamide Sadipe Celestia dress none-selected
Lamide Sadipe Celestia dress
£240 at Wolf & BadgerNigerian designer Lamide Sadipe nails occasion wear that isn’t shy to experiment with colour. The aqua blue is a welcome break from the usual sea of dark tones at a black tie event, while the twist-front detail adds shape without overcomplicating things. With a removable mesh panel, you can tweak the style to suit your mood, too.
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Phase Eight Mary Kate ruffle maxidress none-selected
Phase Eight maxidress
£261.75 at Phase Eight £349 at NextIf wearing black doesn’t appeal, there are appropriate options that still embrace colour. This floor-length Phase Eight dress has fluttering sleeves and cascading ruffle detailing that add movement and drama. In a rich royal blue jewel tone, it’s an elegant option that pairs well with silver jewellery.
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Club L London Sorenia black high-neck jumpsuit none-selected
Club L London high-neck jumpsuit
£135 at Club L LondonClassic with a twist, this jumpsuit’s take on black-tie is slightly more playful. The asymmetric cape detail is effortless, but the clean crew cut means it’s not overly fussy. It’s slightly unexpected, which is often exactly what works in a room full of dresses.
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M&S Tailored blazer and wide leg trousers none-selected
- Blazer, £120 at M&S Marks & Spencer £120
- Trousers, £110 at M&S Marks & Spencer £110
M&S tailored double-breasted blazer
£120 at M&SSilk wide-leg trousers
£110 at M&SA black suit is eternally reliable, but you don’t want to turn up looking like you’re heading for the boardroom. This double-breasted suit jacket teamed with fluid, wide-leg silk trousers perfectly balances the formal ceremony with a more laid-back look for the evening reception. Better still, both pieces work just as well styled as separates for post-celebration and beyond.
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The best dresses to wear to a casual wedding
A casual dress code can be more stressful than a formal one. You know you can’t turn up in jeans, but it also doesn’t mean anything too formal, which leaves you hovering somewhere in between. The safest approach is to look like you’ve made an effort, just not a big one. This is where easy dresses and unfussy fabrics come into play. Nothing too structured, nothing too precious.
Sassy Squid Red midi V-neck dress none-selected
Sassy Squid red midi V-neck dress
£124 at Sassy SquidWhen you really have no idea what to wear, simplicity is the best option. Straight-cut linen doesn’t scream occasion wear, but the vibrant red adds a celebratory feel.
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& Other Stories Linen wrap mini dress none-selected
& Other Stories wrap dress
£48.50 at Asos £97 at & Other StoriesIn breathable linen, the waist-tie detail of this dress adds structure, while the rest of the dress stays relaxed. It’s polished enough for a wedding, but won’t feel out of place at a more casual event.
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Whistles Purple spot sleeveless dress none-selected
- Top £97 at John Lewis Whistles £189
- Trousers £122.50 at John Lewis M&S £189
Whistles purple spot sleeveless dress
£189 at Whistles £189 at M&SIf you’re unsure about the dress code, find a safe option that can do it all. This simple slip can look both dressy and casual, depending on how you style it. Paired with flats and a cross-body bag, it nails the “casual but still made an effort” look, or swap in a clutch and statement earrings for occasions where the dress code demands something smarter.
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Bardot Amorette cotton drop-waist maxi skirt co-ord none-selected
Bardot drop-waist skirt co-ord
£169 at AsosFor a more casual affair, a statement skirt can hold its own just as much as a dress. The dropped waist gives it a relaxed, vintage ease, complemented by the soft hue.
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The best dresses to wear to a destination wedding
Sun, heat and the size of your suitcase limit what you can wear to a destination wedding, so it’s just as much about practicality as it is about style. Lightweight fabrics, easy silhouettes, and pieces that survive being folded (or at least recover quickly) are key. Think dresses that move well in warm air, hold their shape, and don’t demand overthinking once you’ve arrived.
Never Fully Dressed Abstract Tilly dress none-selected
Never Fully Dressed abstract dress
£129 at Never Fully Dressed £129 at FenwickThis dress manages to feel relaxed without veering into casual. The silhouette is loose and fluid, so it won’t cling to you in heat, but the subtle gold flecks catch the light, giving it just enough of an occasion feel. It’s ideal for settings where the line between beach and formal is blurred.
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Pink City Prints Neon peacock Mykonos dress none-selected
Pink City Prints neon peacock dress
£180 at Pink City PrintsDesigned to bask in the sunshine, this cotton dress from Pink City Prints is meticulously block-printed by hand. The empire cut gives it shape while the busy print carries the look, meaning you can keep everything else pared back.
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Monsoon Aimee floral print ruffle maxidress none-selected
Monsoon floral ruffle maxidress
£112 at Monsoon £112 at John LewisWeddings can be long days, especially when you add the extra factors of heat, sand or travel into the mix, so a looser silhouette can be your friend. This flowing maxidress features delicate climbing florals, balanced by a softly ruffled neckline, adding extra shape around the shoulders and collarbones.
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Asos Design Halterneck maxidress none-selected
Asos Design halterneck maxidress
£42 at AsosThis maxi leans into sunset hues that work perfectly for an evening ceremony abroad. The beaded straps add an ounce of occasion, while the fit means you can dance with no restriction all night long.
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Top tip: pack a steamer
Philips 1000 Series STH1010/10 clothes steamer
£30 at Amazon £30 at John LewisIt may not be glamorous, but it’s essential for a destination wedding. Lightweight fabrics crease easily in transit, and a quick steam can reset a dress. It’s the difference between looking just unpacked and properly put together, especially in warm, slightly humid climates. Coordinate with your friends so you don’t all need to pack one.
Need a light layer to finish your look? Read our guide to the best spring jackets for women. Jess Cartner-Morley has also rounded up 52 summer wardrobe updates for under £100
